Surprising news from Ben Affleck today, as the actor and two-time Oscar winner announced that he’s completed rehab after quietly entering a treatment facility two weeks ago.
Affleck shared the news with fans in a Facebook post just moments ago:
“I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I’ve dealt with in the past and will continue to confront,” Affleck wrote.
“I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be.”
He added that he was inspired by his children to seek treatment and seemed to confirm that he is still separated from Jennifer Garner, writing:
“I want my kids to know there is no shame in getting help when you need it, and to be a source of strength for anyone out there who needs help but is afraid to take the first step.
“I’m lucky to have the love of my family and friends, including my co-parent, Jen, who has supported me and cared for our kids as I’ve done the work I set out to do. This was the first of many steps being taken towards a positive recovery.”
In recent weeks, there have been rumors of Affleck and Garner calling off their divorce.
Ben referring to his estranged wife as a “co-parent” seems to confirm that those reports were not entirely accurate.
Affleck has admitted to struggling with alcoholism in the past, and he’s often credited Garner with helping him to remain sober.
Sources close to the actor say he wanted to wait until after the last month’s Academy Awards ceremony to enroll in a treatment program, and was happy to be on hand when his brother, Casey Affleck, won the Oscar for Best Actor.
Reps for Ben have not offered any additional information.
The Facebook statement is believed to be Ben’s way of getting in front of the news cycle so as to avoid being subjected to the usual round of rumors and speculation.
Affleck first completed rehab back in 2001, checking into the Promises treatment facility in Malibu.
He is said to have been sober for the majority of the intervening years, falling off the wagon around the time of his separation from Garner in 2015.
We wish Ben and his family all the best.
